Montenegro to host conference of customs directors of EU member states and the region next year

Montenegro will host the first-ever conference of directors of customs administrations of the Western Balkans and European Union (EU) member states next year, the Customs Administration announced.

"This is confirmation of the active role that Montenegro plays in regional initiatives and processes of improving customs cooperation and European integration," said the Customs Administration.

Representatives of the Customs Administration participated in a high-level conference of directors of customs administrations of the Western Balkans and European Union member states, held in Athens on June 11, organized by the Independent Public Revenue Authority of the Hellenic Republic, the CEFTA Secretariat and the Transport Community.

"The conference brought together directors of customs administrations, representatives of the European Commission, the business community and international organizations with the aim of further improving customs cooperation and the region's integration into the EU Single Market," the statement said.

The conference reaffirmed the joint commitment to further strengthening regional cooperation, modernizing customs procedures and supporting the economy through simplification of procedures and development of partnerships with reliable economic operators. Participants stressed the importance of continuing reforms that will enable the gradual integration of the Western Balkans customs systems into the European Union customs environment.

"Further steps were discussed towards improving the interoperability of customs systems, digitalizing procedures, and strengthening the Green Corridors as one of the key instruments for a more efficient and secure flow of goods between the Western Balkan countries and the EU," the statement concluded.